Calculators & Tools

Magnesium Correction Calculator

Hypomagnesemia

1 What is the Magnesium Correction Calculator?

The Magnesium Correction Calculator gives weight-based dosing for IV and oral magnesium replacement in hypomagnesaemia. The app's own reference states magnesium should be corrected when the level is below 0.75 mmol/L, and provides a standard bolus dose, a slower infusion option for stable patients, and an oral maintenance dose. It also includes toxicity monitoring guidance and a framework for working up the cause of magnesium loss.

2 When to use it

  • Dosing IV magnesium sulphate replacement in a child with confirmed hypomagnesaemia (below 0.75 mmol/L per the app's threshold)
  • Choosing between a standard IV bolus and a slower 2–4 hour infusion based on clinical stability
  • Providing oral magnesium maintenance for chronic mild hypomagnesaemia or after IV replacement
  • Monitoring for signs of magnesium toxicity during or after replacement (bradycardia, hypotension, loss of deep tendon reflexes)
  • Distinguishing renal from non-renal magnesium loss using fractional excretion of magnesium or 24-hour urine magnesium

3 Formula & method

Standard IV bolus: '0.2 mmol/kg = 50 mg/kg = [X] mL of 10% MgSO₄. Max 4 mmol / 1 g / 10 mL over 10 min.' Slow IV (preferred for stable patient): 'MgSO₄ 25–50 mg/kg IV over 2–4 hours.' Oral replacement: '0.2–0.4 mmol/kg. Useful for chronic mild hypomagnesaemia and for ongoing maintenance after IV replacement.'

4 Frequently asked questions

At what magnesium level does the app recommend correction?

The app's reference states correction is indicated when magnesium is below 0.75 mmol/L.

What is the standard IV magnesium bolus dose?

0.2 mmol/kg (equivalent to 50 mg/kg, or 0.5 mL/kg of 10% MgSO₄), to a maximum of 4 mmol, 1 g, or 10 mL, given over 10 minutes.

What is the slower IV magnesium option?

For stable patients, the app calculates MgSO₄ 25–50 mg/kg IV given over 2–4 hours.

What are signs of magnesium toxicity to monitor for?

The app lists bradycardia, hypotension, and loss of deep tendon reflexes, noting toxicity typically occurs at levels of 4 mmol/L or higher, and advises stopping the infusion if reflexes are absent or blood pressure drops.

How does the app help distinguish renal from non-renal magnesium loss?

It notes a fractional excretion of magnesium (FE_Mg) below 2% suggests non-renal loss (GI, dietary), while a 24-hour urine magnesium above 30 mg suggests renal loss from diuretics, tubulopathies, alcoholism, or drug effects.

For qualified clinicians. This page and the PediAid app are a clinical aid only. Calculations and reference data must be verified against the patient's clinical context, the source guideline and your local protocols before any treatment decision is made.